Concept
A mental grouping based on shared similarity.
Categorizing items in one’s environment
Prototype
A typical best example incorporating the major features of a concept.
The closer a new object is to our concept prototype the easier it is to categorize it
Concept Hierarchy
A means to keep mental information organized from basic concepts to specific ones
Algorithms
A problem-solving strategy that guarantees the solution to a problem.
Not always the most efficient method
Heuristics
A rule-of-thumb problem-solving strategy that makes a solution more likely and efficient but does not guarantee a solution.
These can be handy shortcuts, or they can get us into trouble
Insight
The sudden realization (Aha!) of the solution to a problem.
Mental Set
The tendency to approach a problem in a particular way.
The set may or may not be helpful in solving a new problem
Fixation
A mental set that hinders the solution of a problem.
One needs to think beyond the mental set to solve the new problem
Functional Fixedness
The tendency to think of things only in terms of their usual functions.
A mental grouping based on shared similarity.
Categorizing items in one’s environment
Prototype
A typical best example incorporating the major features of a concept.
The closer a new object is to our concept prototype the easier it is to categorize it
Concept Hierarchy
A means to keep mental information organized from basic concepts to specific ones
Algorithms
A problem-solving strategy that guarantees the solution to a problem.
Not always the most efficient method
Heuristics
A rule-of-thumb problem-solving strategy that makes a solution more likely and efficient but does not guarantee a solution.
These can be handy shortcuts, or they can get us into trouble
Insight
The sudden realization (Aha!) of the solution to a problem.
Mental Set
The tendency to approach a problem in a particular way.
The set may or may not be helpful in solving a new problem
Fixation
A mental set that hinders the solution of a problem.
One needs to think beyond the mental set to solve the new problem
Functional Fixedness
The tendency to think of things only in terms of their usual functions.